With a pair of state titles at the GHSA Track and Field State Championship meet in Albany last week, Johns Creek senior Allie Buchalski capped off one of the most impressive running seasons — and careers — in state history.

Her 1600-meter (4:55.65) and 3200-meter (10:49.54) times were both the fastest in the state regardless of classification, and the two gold medal runs gave her three track state championships for her career — also winning the 3200 a year ago.

But her success was far from limited to the oval track.

On the windy trails of the cross country season, Buchalski dominated the state for the better part of four years — winning state championships in 2009, 2011 and 2012.

As a senior last fall she ran the 5-kilometer course in Carrollton 11 seconds faster than her closest competition, had the swiftest time in the state regardless of classification again, and was named Georgia’s Gatorade Player of the Year for cross country at season’s end.

“She is a once in a lifetime type kid to coach,” said Johns Creek cross country coach Danny Brock of Buchalski, who will run collegiately at Furman University next season.

“She was willing to do whatever it took to be the best that she could be, and she made sacrifices that most teenage girls are not willing to do [to be great].”

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